<p>The importance of knowing the difference between a BA and a BM is crucial, but choosing one over the other CAN be a potential detriment to one bent on a performance oriented career. The private instructor, the peer level of musicians all play a part in development of a musician aspiring to a professional level.</p>
<p>In general, the most seamless dual paths are at Oberlin, Lawrence and Bard. Many schools will pay lip service, or openly support this, yet the applied instructor or departmental philosophy may present roadblocks. Peabody admits very few as music/non music dual candidates annually, Rice fewer still.</p>
<p>Music and a science is one of the toughest to schedule, as lab requirements, course sequencing, ensemble obligations and studio/rehearsal time slots often conflict. There are options around this (summers/evening classes if available, yet remember most schools do not offer music coursework in the summer; larger university based programs often have much of the general elective/required academic lower level courses available as late afternoon, evening classes, especially those catering to a professional or adult student body portion).</p>
<p>If you haven’t already done so, please read this [Peabody</a> Institute - Conservatory Admissions: The Double Degree Dilemma](<a href=“http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/doubledegree]Peabody”>http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/doubledegree)</p>
<p>For some, ANYTHING is possible. A BM is an extremely time and credit intensive degree, and at a few places a BA/music can approach the intensity of a BM. The reality is anticipate at least 5 years, and a few summer courses here and there.</p>
<p>As musica said, we’ve beaten this horse countless times in the music major forum [Music</a> Major - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/]Music”>Music Major - College Confidential Forums). If you’re willing to divulge your son’s list of schools, there are most likely current students/parents with “kids” at or out of these programs who can detail specific experiences.</p>
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Not so in the case of music credits. Theory is virtually nontransferable, much of the other applied coursework is subject to a pretty intensive review. Academic coursework may or may not transfer fairly easily. General ed requirements are normally not an issue.</p>